December, 2016
Focus on Health
Crazy about
Cranberries?
December is Safe Toys
and Gifts Month
When you think about the
W
holiday season, one fruit stands
out—the red, plump cranberry.
Each year, more than 110,000
metric tons of cranberries are
produced in the United States.
Most of the U.S. cranberry crop
is grown in Massachusetts,
Wisconsin, New Jersey, Oregon
and Washington.
Cranberries have long been valued for their ability to help
prevent urinary tract infections in women. Studies suggest that
cranberries may also promote gastrointestinal and oral health,
prevent the formation of kidney stones, lower LDL and raise HDL,
aid in the recovery from stroke, and even help prevent cancer.
Cranberries can be enjoyed in pancakes and waffles, muffins and
bread, pies and crisps, as fruit juice and in smoothies, as sauce to
garnish meat and sandwiches, in holiday stuffings or salads.
Holiday Pet Safety!
When preparing your home for the holidays, keep the safety of your pet in mind.
Keep plants such as poinsettias, lilies,
mistletoe and holly out of your pet’s reach
as they can cause serious illness or even
death when ingested. Vacuum up pine
needles regularly. Make sure breakable ornaments are higher up
and securely attached to your tree. Ribbon or tinsel can get
wrapped around your pet’s tongue or stuck in their digestive tract.
New toys and batteries are attractive to pets; keep them out of
harm’s way. Keep extension cords hidden from your pet as they
can cause electric shock when chewed on. Stick with pet food and
don’t leave holiday meals unattended. Advise visitors not to feed
your pet “people” food. Especially chocolate could result in severe
digestive issues, seizures or cardiac arrest. Never leave burning
candles unattended!
Red Wine May Be Good For Your Heart
Red wine is said to have health benefits when consumed
in moderation. Wine, however, eats away at tooth
enamel and can stain teeth. To keep your smile beautiful, don’t swish the wine around your mouth. Finish up
with a glass of water to cleanse your mouth. Use a
whitening toothpaste or mouthwash to reduce staining.
But Not For Your
According to the
U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission,
hospital emergency
rooms treated an
estimated 256,700 toyrelated injuries in 2013; 72% were to children
under the age of 15. Additionally, in 2007 alone,
toymakers recalled over 19 million toys worldwide because of safety concerns. Prevent
Blindness America has declared December as
Safe Toys and Gifts Awareness Month.
Below are some safe toy guidelines for all ages:
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Teeth
Be diligent about choosing toys according to
age, skill level, and developmental
appropriateness.
Avoid toys that shoot or include parts that
fly off.
The toy should have no sharp edges or
points and should be sturdy enough to
withstand impact without breaking.
Do NOT give toys with small parts to young
children (including magnets and
“button” batteries which can cause serious
injury or death if ingested).
Use a small parts tester to determine
whether the toy produces a choking hazard
for children under the age of 3.
Or, if the piece can fit inside a toilet paper
roll, it is too small.
Make sure crayons and markers are labeled
“nontoxic”.
Avoid electrical toys with heating elements
for children under age 8.
Avoid toys with strings, straps or cords longer
than 7 inches that may pose a risk for
strangulation to young children.
Sports equipment should always be accompanied by protective gear like helmets and
pads.
For more information, visit www.cpsc.gov/
safety-education/safety-guides/toys
The material contained in this newsletter is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as a substitute for the advice of a healthcare professional. Consult your physician before practicing any recommendations or acting on any information contained in this publication.
CARExpress • 605 Horsham Road • Horsham, PA 19044 • 1-866-635-9532 • www.carexpresshealth.com